10 Sad Books To Read In 2025

Books have the power to evoke deep emotions, making us laugh, think and sometimes cry. Some stories leave a lasting impact, resonating with readers long after the last page is turned. If you're looking for heartbreaking novels that will move you to tears, here are ten must-read sad books that explore themes of love and human resilience.

1. A Little Life – Hanya Yanagihara

This modern masterpiece is a devastatingly powerful novel about four college friends navigating adulthood. The book focuses on Jude St. Francis, a man with a traumatic past who struggles with pain, self-worth, and deep-seated emotional scars. Yanagihara’s writing is raw and unflinching, making this one of the most emotionally intense books ever written. As Jude's friendships evolve, the novel delves deep into themes of trauma, self-destruction, and the impact of past abuse, portraying a harrowing yet beautifully written tale of human endurance.

2. The Book Thief – Markus Zusak

Set in Nazi Germany, this beautifully written novel follows Liesel Meminger, a young girl who finds solace in stealing books and sharing them with others. Narrated by Death itself, the story provides a unique and harrowing perspective on war, loss, and the resilience of the human spirit. As Liesel builds relationships with her foster parents and her best friend, Rudy, the book takes readers on a journey through the horrors of war and the small moments of love and hope that shine through, making the heartbreak all the more poignant.

3. The Fault in Our Stars – John Green

A tragic yet touching young adult romance, this novel tells the story of Hazel Grace Lancaster and Augustus Waters, two teenagers who fall in love while battling cancer. Green’s writing is poignant, blending humor with heartbreak in a way that makes their love story even more profound. Their relationship grows amidst hospital visits and existential musings, giving readers a bittersweet experience of young love overshadowed by mortality. The raw emotions and deep connection between Hazel and Augustus make their inevitable fate even more heartrending.

4. Me Before You – Jojo Moyes

This heartbreaking romance follows Louisa Clark, a quirky young woman who becomes a caregiver for Will Traynor, a once-adventurous man now paralyzed from the neck down. Their relationship grows, but Will's decision about his future leads to an emotional conclusion that will leave readers crying uncontrollably. The novel explores personal autonomy, the ethics of assisted suicide, and the transformative power of love, making it an unforgettable read filled with warmth, pain, and the complexity of human emotions.

5. Where the Red Fern Grows – Wilson Rawls

A classic tale of a young boy and his two beloved dogs, this story captures the deep bond between humans and animals. Billy Colman works hard to buy and train his redbone coonhounds, but the book takes a tragic turn, leaving readers devastated yet deeply moved. The novel beautifully portrays the innocence of childhood, perseverance, and the devastating grief of loss, making it an emotional yet deeply rewarding experience that stays with the reader for years.

6. Of Mice and Men – John Steinbeck

This short but impactful novel follows George and Lennie, two displaced migrant workers during the Great Depression. Their dream of owning land together is crushed by a tragic chain of events, leading to one of the most heartbreaking endings in literary history. The novel explores friendship, sacrifice, and the harsh realities of life for the working class, making it a timeless, deeply moving narrative about hope, despair, and the impossible dreams of marginalized individuals.

7. A Man Called Ove – Fredrik Backman

At first glance, Ove is a grumpy old man, but as the story unfolds, readers discover a heartbreaking tale of love, loss, and loneliness. His grief over his late wife and his journey toward finding meaning again make this a truly emotional read. The novel highlights the importance of human connections, kindness, and resilience, as Ove learns to open up to his neighbors and find new reasons to live despite his overwhelming sorrow.

8. Bridge to Terabithia – Katherine Paterson

A poignant coming-of-age novel, this book explores friendship, imagination, and loss. When tragedy strikes, protagonist Jesse Aarons is left to navigate his grief and heartbreak, making this a tearjerking read. The novel beautifully depicts the power of imagination and childhood bonds, making the loss even more tragic, as Jesse learns to cope with pain and cherish the impact of a lost loved one.

9. Never Let Me Go – Kazuo Ishiguro

This haunting dystopian novel follows Kathy, Tommy, and Ruth, three friends who grow up in a secluded English boarding school. As they learn the truth about their existence, themes of love, identity, and the cruelty of fate make this novel profoundly sad and thought-provoking. Ishiguro masterfully explores the fragility of life, the ethics of human cloning, and the inevitability of loss, leaving readers with a lingering sense of sorrow and contemplation.

10. The Nightingale – Kristin Hannah

A powerful historical fiction novel, this story follows two sisters, Vianne and Isabelle, as they struggle to survive World War II in Nazi-occupied France. This novel is filled with sacrifice, love, and unthinkable hardship, making it an emotional rollercoaster that lingers in the reader’s mind long after finishing. It highlights the strength of women in times of war, the complexities of family relationships, and the heavy costs of courage and resistance.

Conclusion

These books are not just stories, but emotional experiences that stay with readers long after they have finished them. Each novel presents a compelling narrative that speaks to the fragility and resilience of the human spirit. If you are looking for books that reflect and appreciate the beauty of storytelling, these titles should be at the top of your reading list.